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July 16 Newsletter: Bikes and scooters

Weather: A 50-50 chance of thunderstorms tonight. Dave Matthews concertgoers should arrive prepared.

On this date in 1974, Howard Sullins is named superintendent of Chesterfield schools. He helped write the original desegregation plan for Richmond’s school district.

Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.

E-scooters are used more than Richmond’s bike share, but the city views both as important transport options

The city operates two "micromobility" initiatives, with very different financial implications.

  • The city loses about $200,000 annually running the RVA Bike Share program.
  • The city makes $168,750 in licensing fees each year from e-scooter companies.

Representatives of both say having multiple options is important to reach the ultimate goal "of making Americans ditch the car." Read more here.

Amphitheater's use of Belle Isle parking lot is raising questions from nearby residents

Allianz Amphitheater, which is owned by Live Nation, is paying the city $50 per hour for use of the space, which contains approximately 60 parking spots.

  • A 2012 agreement stipulates that the Belle Isle lot must remain available for public parking "except in the limited circumstance ... related to an event organized by Venture Richmond including, but not limited to, the Richmond Folk Festival."

Read more about the dispute here.

Richmond’s new CAO says city needs ‘overhaul’ of some spending policies

As he started his second week on the job, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II sat in on a meeting Tuesday where officials heard details on several recent audits finding widespread irregularities with city purchasing and fuel cards.

“These findings from both audits are concerning enough that we’ve got to make a sea change,” Donald said. “I know we talk about a reset. But I think we’ve kind of changed our terminology to an overhaul.”

There was little pushback from city officials at the meeting, who said they have already taken immediate steps to fix the problems and have started the work of larger system improvements to make things work better in the future. Read more here.

25 in '25: Sally Holzgrefe started the Fan Arts Stroll

Under Sally’s leadership, the Fan Arts Stroll has grown to the point that this year’s event had a waiting list of 60 artists and vendors.

One hallmark of the event is that the streets aren’t closed, to keep people close to the exhibitors.

“To me, that changes the dynamic of the whole thing,” she said. “If you’re on the sidewalk you have to [engage with] the artists.” Read more here.

Today's sponsor:

VCU’s research helps power a national success story

Virginia Commonwealth University has emerged as a renowned powerhouse in research that optimizes health, enriches the human experience and addresses society’s pressing challenges. Through its broad and expanding portfolio, VCU’s research enterprise reflects a longtime national commitment and goal: The United States must be the global leader in innovation and discovery, and VCU and its fellow universities must lead the way.

Srirama Rao, Ph.D., is VCU’s vice president of research and innovation. He offers an overview and update of how VCU is serving the nation – and the world – through research. Read more.

In other news

The editor's desk

I love talking about grocery stores. I absolutely love that we're in a grocery store battleground. But I have to object to a list that includes Wawa and 7-Eleven as grocery stores. In Japan, sure. But not here.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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